The engine makes 260ps and 380Nm of torque resulting in acceleration to 62mph in just 6.1sec, with ‘limited’ 155mph top speed. Mazda3 MPS features a trick limited-slip diff at the front. Prices stat at £23,995.

2013 Mazda3 range details:

“Visual upgrades to the Mazda3 MPS compliment its strikingly bold design, which boasts a dynamic, aggressive and assertive look, that sets it apart from the rest of the Mazda3 line-up and encapsulate the ‘defy convention’ philosophy of our brand,” comments Peter Allibon, Sales Director, Mazda UK.

Each Mazda3 MPS is fitted with the immensely powerful and responsive 2.3-litre MZR DISI Turbo petrol engine. It generates maximum power of 260ps and 380Nm of torque (at just 3,000rpm) and drives the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission with wider spaced gear ratios and a Limited Slip Differential. The dual exhaust pipes deliver a suitably sporty rasp at low revs, but give a 10dB noise reduction at engine speeds over 5,000rpm for improved levels of comfort when driving on open roads.

The upgraded Mazda3 MPS will be available in a choice of four metallic/mica/pearlescent colours – Aluminium Silver, Black Mica, Crystal White Pearlescent and Velocity Red – free of extra charge.

As well as upgrading the Mazda3 MPS, Mazda is rationalising and re-naming its new line-up of seven Mazda3 models on sale from this month.

Two special edition models (Tamura and Venture) now join the permanent range, offering extremely generous specification and equipment at great value prices. The 1.6-litre MZR petrol Tamura and Venture models benefit from fine-tuning which improves fuel economy by 1.4 percent and cuts emissions by 2 percent resulting in reduced BIK for company car drivers.